ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CHILD MALTREATMENT AND DISORDERED EATING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

The current study presents a literature review examining the psychological mechanisms linking childhood maltreatment (CM) to disordered eating (DE) in females in the U.S. Although the link between early trauma and eating pathology has been consistently observed, the process underlying this relationship is not clear. Therefore, 18 empirically studies published between 2000 and 2020 were synthesized for review. Articles were organized into five thematic domains that emerged from the literature search: (1) affective and emotional regulation, (2) trauma and dissociation, (3) personality and behavioral traits, (4) sociodemographic factors, and (5) abuse characteristics. Findings across the domains revealed that emotional and affective disturbances (particularly depression and anxiety) were the most consistent mediators of the CM and DE relationship. Trauma related variables such as PTSD and dissociation also emerged as significant contributors, while personality factors such as impulsivity, perfectionism, and self-concept shaped the expression of disordered eating behaviors. Sociodemographic patterns showed these associations were generally stronger among women, with limited but notable racial/ethnic variation. Studies focusing on abuse characteristics (sexual, emotional, neglect) identified emotional abuse and repeat victimization as strong risk factors for disordered eating outcomes.